MLBTR Originals News & Rumors

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR last week as the Boston Red Sox celebrated their third World Championship in the last ten years.

• Tim Dierkes unveiled the eighth annual MLBTR Top 50 Free Agents List and he included his predictions as to where each player will land.
• Where do you think these top 50 free agents will sign? Match your insight against the MLBTR staff and fellow MLBTR readers by entering the third annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest. The deadline to register (a Facebook account is required) and save your final picks is Sunday, November 10 at Midnight (CT).
• MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Tracker is now available with the start of the free agency spending spree only hours away. It can be found in the Tools drop down menu at the top of the page or in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
• There were seven installments of MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series this past week.
• Steve Adams expects Matt Garza will receive a four-year, $64MM contract, Fernando Rodney will collect $18MM over two years, Marlon Byrd's payday will be two years and $16MM, Jason Vargas will net a three-year pact worth $28.5MM, and Phil Hughes and Justin Morneau will try to re-establish their value with one-year deals ($8MM for Hughes and $7MM for Morneau).
• Tim estimates Suk-min Yoon will sign for two-years and $10MM, as he makes the jump from the KBO to MLB.
• I previewed the upcoming offseason for the Brewers and Athletics.
• Jeff Todd and Mark Polishuk summarized the winter ahead for the Braves and Orioles, respectively.
• Tim continued the Arbitration Eligibles series with a look at the Rangers, Athletics, Braves, and Dodgers.
• MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz broke down the arbitration case of Braves closer Craig Kimbrel.
• Tim has compiled a calendar of hot stove events, as the offseason is now in full swing.
• MLBTR was the first to report White Sox left-hander Hector Santiago had hired a new agent: Jim Murray of Excel Sports Management.
• Tim hosted this week's chat.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• MLBTR previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Indians, Pirates, and Reds (all by Charlie Wilmoth), Diamondbacks, Angels, and Dodgers (all by Zach Links), Nationals (by Jeff Todd), Rays (by Mark Polishuk), and Royals (by Aaron Steen). 
• MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series featured Carlos Beltran, Corey Hart, Shin-Soo Choo, Brian Wilson, Kendrys Morales, and Ervin Santana.
• Steve Adams envisions two years, $30MM for Beltran, a one-year, $8MM deal with incentives for Hart (or he will settle for $6MM to re-sign with the Brewers), and five years, $75MM for Santana.
• Tim Dierkes anticipates Choo receiving a six-year, $100MM contract, Wilson signing a one-year pact worth $8.5MM, and Morales agreeing to $28MM over two years.
• Contributor Jeff Zimmerman created a model for MLBTR projecting salaries for the 21 top free agent starting pitchers (excluding Masahiro Tanaka).
• Tim examined the Arbitration Eligibles for the Nationals, Reds, Twins, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rays, Orioles, Angels, and Royals.
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers how Tim Lincecum's contract extension will work out for the Giants. Almost 61% of you view the two-year, $35MM deal (with a full no-trade clause) as a waste of resources.
• Agent Josh Borkin of ACES told MLBTR Red Sox prospect Daniel McGrath has agreed to be represented by his firm.
• Steve hosted this week's live chat.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• MLBTR presented Offseason Outlooks for the Twins (by Steve Adams), Phillies (by Jeff Todd), White Sox (posted by Tim Dierkes prior to the Jose Dariel Abreu signing), Rangers (by Charlie Wilmoth), Yankees (by Mark Polishuk), Padres and Giants (both by Zach Links).
• There were five installments of the MLBTR series Free Agent Profiles this week.
• Tim predicted the aforementioned Abreu would receive six-years and $54MM. Just two days after the post was published, Tim was proven correct on the years, but $14MM short of what the White Sox agreed to pay the Cuban slugger in the most lucrative deal in franchise history and the largest for an international free agent.
• Tim doesn't see Abreu riches for either Josh Johnson (one-year, $8MM) or Joe Nathan (two years, $26MM with a 2016 club option).
• If a team is looking for a less expensive closer option, Steve suggests Grant Balfour at $18MM over two years with a possible club or vesting option or Joaquin Benoit at $16MM over two years.
• Steve also sees A.J. Burnett re-signing with the Pirates on a one-year deal worth $12MM, if the 36-year-old right-hander does decide to postpone retirement.
• The Arbitration Eligibles series continued with Tim's anaylsis of the Padres, White Sox, Brewers, and Giants.
• Troy Percival's agent, Paul Cohen of TWC Sports, told MLBTR his client, who retired four years ago and ranks eighth on the all-time saves list, wants to become a MLB coach with the thought of eventually becoming a manager.
• Jeff featured a pair of catchers in a Free Agent Faceoff: Carlos Ruiz and A.J. Pierzynski. More than 53% of you would prefer to sign Pierzynski.
• Steve hosted the weekly live chat.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• The Offseason Outlook series continued with Jeff Todd's preview of the Mets, Aaron Steen's summary of the Mariners, and Mark Polishuk's run-through of the Blue Jays. 
• Steve Adams issued a Free Agent Profile of Edward Mujica (three years, $21MM) and Tim Hudson (one year, $9MM).
• Steve presented a Free Agent Faceoff between a pair of veteran right-handers: Hiroki Kuroda and A.J. Burnett. Nearly three-quarters of you would rather sign Kuroda.
• Aaron featured starters Scott Feldman and Paul Maholm in a second Free Agent Faceoff. Approximately 52% of you prefer the right-hander.
• Jeff asked MLBTR readers which player will be the first to accept a qualifying offer. You believe Nelson Cruz is the most likely to do so, if one is tendered by the Rangers.
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• Tim Dierkes posted the final edition of MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury remain the top two while Masahiro Tanaka (who will need to be posted by his NPL team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles) and Mike Napoli break into the top ten.
• The offseason began for 22 of the 30 MLB teams this past week and so did two offseason staples on MLBTR: Offseason Outlook and Arbitration Eligibles.
• Jeff Todd detailed the offseason outlook for the Marlins, Zach Links examined the Astros and Rockies, and Tim summarized the Cubs.
• Tim also kicked off the Arbitration Eligibles series with a look at the Marlins, Mets, Cubs, Astros, Mariners, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Rockies. 
• There were four new installments in MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series.
• Tim foresees a team giving Mike Napoli $42MM over three years, Carlos Ruiz a two-year, $14MM contract, and a four-year, $36MM deal to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. 
• Steve Adams predicts right-handed reliever Jesse Crain will sign for one-year and $3.5MM with incentives based on innings pitched and, perhaps, games finished.
• Matt Sosnick, the agent for Josh Johnson, told MLBTR the right-hander underwent elbow surgery Tuesday to remove bone spurs and will begin a throwing program in five weeks and will be ready for Spring Training. Johnson enters free agency for the first time this winter.
• Ryan Galla of CAA Baseball told MLBTR a few roster moves made during September has increased his Super Two cutoff calculation by one day. Players will now need two years and 122 days (2.122) of service time to earn an extra year of salary arbitration.
• MLBTR was the first to learn Tim Hudson expects to be fully recovered from ankle surgery by mid-November and the right-hander will seek a Major League contract during free agency. 
• Steve hosted this week's chat.
• Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Aaron Steen culminated the week with a Free Agent Faceoff between Masahiro Tanaka (#5 on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings) and Matt Garza (#7). Nearly two-thirds of you favor the Japanese right-hander. 

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series continued with Tim Dierkes and Steve Adams issuing six such portraits.
• Tim anticipates Paul Maholm settling for a one-year, $7MM contract, but two years and $14MM isn't out of the realm of possibility for the left-hander.
• Tim also envisions a five-year, $80MM deal for Brian McCann and a two-year, $10MM pact for Nate McLouth.
• Steve foresees Curtis Granderson receiving $45MM over three years and Hiroki Kuroda and A.J. Pierzynski both signing for one year ($16MM for Kuroda and $6.5MM for Pierzynski).
• Charlie Wilmoth pitted outfielders Carlos Beltran and Nelson Cruz in a Free Agent Faceoff. Over 69% of MLBTR readers would prefer to sign Beltran.
• Aaron Steen provided a second Free Agent Faceoff between starters Phil Hughes and Scott Kazmir. Approximately 71% of you favor Kazmir.
• MLBTR was the first to report the Reds released right-hander Kyle Lotzkar.
• Tim asked MLBTR readers which free agents will receive a qualifying offer. An overwhelming 83% of you who responded to the survey believe the Yankees will tender Robinson Cano while a majority also sees a QO for Jacoby Ellsbury (75%), Shin-Soo Choo (72.5%), Brian McCann (59%), Curtis Granderson (55%), and Carlos Beltran (50%). 
• Steve hosted this week's live chat.
• Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:

• Need a starting rotation makeover? Check out this week´s installments of MLBTR´s new recurring series: Free Agent Profile. 
• Steve Adams sees a three-year, $39MM deal for Ubaldo Jimenez and a two-year, $17MM contract with a vesting option for Scott Feldman.
• Tim Dierkes meanwhile predicts Roberto Hernandez will receive a one-year pact worth $5MM, plus incentives, Bronson Arroyo will secure $24MM over two years, and Scott Kazmir will net two years and $16MM.
• Zach Links spoke to former Dodgers GM Fred Claire about the ups and downs of the franchise since his departure 15 years ago.
• MLBTR´s Free Agent Faceoff returned as Steve featured closers Grant Balfour and Joaquin Benoit. Nearly 69% of you would prefer to sign Balfour.
• Jeff Todd presented a second Free Agent Faceoff between right-handed starters Tim Lincecum and Ubaldo Jimenez. Just under 62% of you favor Lincecum.
• Aaron Steen offered a third Free Agent Faceoff: Josh Johnson versus Roy Halladay. Over 53% of you chose the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
• Charlie Wilmoth revisited the Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki contract extensions in a Transaction Retrospection. 
• Steve hosted the weekly live chat.
• Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In. 

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• MLBTR introduced a new recurring series called Free Agent Profile. Tim Dierkes penned the first two installments: Omar Infante and Ricky Nolasco.
• Charlie Wilmoth examined Brewers shortstop Jean Segura as a possible extension candidate.
• Steve Adams interviewed Pirates GM Neal Huntington, who shared his rationale for signing free agents Russell Martin and Francisco Liriano, re-signing Jason Grilli, and trading for A.J. Burnett and Mark Melancon, five key pieces to ending the franchise's streak of two decades without a winning season. 
• Tim listed the top 34 free agent starting pitchers.
• Steve asked MLBTR readers who is the Angels' best trade chip other than Mike Trout. More than 62% of you believe Mark Trumbo would bring back the best return.
• Aaron Steen asked MLBTR readers whether the Blue Jays should extend a qualifying offer to Josh Johnson. Approximately 72% of you believe doing so would be a mistake. 
• Zach Links tracked the progress players with a 2014 vesting option are making toward exercising those options.
• Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
• Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Ryan Galla of CAA Baseball told MLBTR the Super Two cutoff is projected to be two years and 121 days (2.121) of service time. Players achieving Super Two status earn an extra year of salary arbitration.
• MLBTR was the first to learn left-hander Mike Zagurski opted out of his minor league deal with the A's.
• MLBTR was the first to report right-hander Mark Lowe opted out of his minor league contract with the Nationals.
• Steve Adams listed the notable September extensions from the previous two seasons.
• Jeff Todd examined whether the Braves will join the current trend in baseball of locking up young talent or continue with their philosophy of not signing players with less than five years of MLB service time to contract extensions.
• Jeff then surveyed MLBTR readers on how the Braves should handle 11 such players.
• Zach Links asked MLBTR readers whether Adam Dunn and/or Paul Konerko will retire after the season. Nearly 60% of you believe both will continue their playing careers in 2014.
• Steve hosted this week's chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet updated the Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
• There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.

A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

• Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers which contender best strengthened itself with its August acquistions. Nearly 68% of you praised the work Pirates GM Neal Huntington did in dealing for Justin Morneau, Marlon Byrd, and John Buck. 
• Steve Adams updated the list of the hardest throwing 2014 free agent pitchers.
• MLBTR was the first to report Russ Canzler cleared waivers and accepted the Pirates' outright assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis.
• Steve hosted this week's live chat.
• MLBTR contributor Marc Hulet provided a new Prospect Rumor Roundup.
• Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.